Vehicle photos
Our Review
The all-new 2023 BMW 3 series is finally here, and it's better than ever. Targeted updates to the front and rear-end design will make your heart skip a beat or two (or five), the overture to the ensuing rush of nostalgia over a design reminiscent of generations past. Powerful engines under the hood will satisfy even your most egregious horsepower junkies without giving up on luxury amenities such as the newly designed cockpit featuring BMW Curved Display, which runs on the ever elegant iDrive 8 operating system now anchored by your very own personal assistant. Additionally, this year's lineup offers a wide variety of drive systems. The entry-level model (330i), historically the most recognizable in its segment, features a 2-liter engine producing 255 horsepower with 294 lb-ft of torque-- while the top dog M340i boasts a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder putting out a whopping 382 ponies and 369 lb-ft of torque. All models are now standardly equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission that includes gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. The upgraded Steptronic Sport transmission unlocks goodies such as the Launch Control function for "traction-optimized acceleration" off the line and ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power with its "Sprint" function. Meanwhile, other key highlights include the M340i sporting a 48V mild hybrid system that improves response time and efficiency.
The 2023 330i offers a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower coupled with 295-pound feet of torque; this car drives like it's more potent than what it's got on tap. The M340i comes equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system, giving rise to a powering 382 ponies and 369 lb-ft. With its punchy gas engine and electric motor, the 330e plug-in hybrid provides a distinctive yet thrilling driving experience. With 288 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque under its hood, the hybrid model is no slouch, and the Xtraboost function enables drivers to get an instant burst of power (which feels like nitrous) when needed for hill climbing or showing off. All 2023 3-series models pair a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive, powerful four-wheel drives options for those who need them (though not at the cost of money), and excellent handling-- thanks in part to its adaptive dampers, which allow you to tune out your surroundings while enjoying some good old fashioned driving fun.
The 3-series' standard equipment list includes all sorts of goodies such as power-adjustable or heated seats, sunroof/moon roof options, plus much more. The build design and materials are excellent, and everything feels high-quality. The controls are well placed, and the standard sports seats are comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of customizable adjustments. Many options are available for an extra cost, including a detailed heads-up display, heated front and rear seats, remote start, wireless charging, and customizable ambient interior lighting. The trunk is large, with room for six carry-on suitcases, and the car can also fit 17 total with the rear row folded. The 330e has less trunk space because of its battery pack, but we haven't tested its carry-on capacity.
The 3-series has one of the most advanced instrument panels in today's cars. A 12-inch gauge display and 14 9" infotainment panel float gently above the dash, with high-resolution screens that look great in direct sunlight thanks to their crispness--and come standard for every trim level. You'll find wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as well SiriusXM satellite radio, all included at no extra charge, plus 5G WiFi hotspot capability available through the BMW iDrive 8 interface, which is snappy & easy to navigate regardless of whether you're using the rotary knob, touchscreen, or hands-free voice commands. There's also an optional Heads-Up display with the Premium Package (which shows information about vehicle surroundings without having to glance away from the road).
BMW offers an array of standard and optional safety and driver-assistance features for the 2023 model year. Standard features include:
Though BMW provides longer complimentary maintenance, its limited and powertrain warranty terms are on par with its rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-AMG. However, Genesis beats BMW with longer warranty periods at no additional cost.
Price Comparison
Vehicle Rating
Recalls, Complaints and Safety Issues
Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.Remedy:
Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330e and 330e xDrive hybrid electric vehicles. After shifting into reverse, the rearview camera software may cause a portion of the rearview image to be obstructed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."Remedy:
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-80-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.Remedy:
Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.Remedy:
Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Vehicle Specifications
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Jet Black
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Jet Black
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Jet Black
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Mineral White Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Jet Black
- Skyscraper Grey Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Alpine White
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Melbourne Red Metallic
- Phytonic Blue Metallic
- Canberra Beige SensaTec, leatherette
- Oyster Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red SensaTec, leatherette
- Cognac SensaTec, leatherette
- Black Vernasca, leather
- Black Vernasca w/Blue Contrast Stitching, leather
- Mocha Vernasca, leather
- Tacora Red Vernasca, leather
- Black SensaTec, leatherette